Bhubaneswar: The Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha will remain closed to tourists from January 6 to 8 as forest authorities undertake a comprehensive crocodile census aimed at strengthening conservation efforts for the protected species inhabiting the region.
The three-day exercise will be conducted by 14 dedicated teams comprising approximately 70 personnel from the Forest Department. Special logistical arrangements, including the deployment of country boats, have been made to ensure uninterrupted monitoring of crocodile populations within the sanctuary’s riverine and wetland habitats.
Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary spans an area of 795.52 square kilometers across the Angul, Boudh, Cuttack, and Nayagarh districts. Its diverse water bodies provide a natural habitat for mugger crocodiles, making the sanctuary a critical site for their conservation.
According to the Odisha Forest Development Corporation, boating servicesin the Bhitarakanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Camp will also be suspended from January 8 to January 10 for the same purpose.
Similarly, boating services on the Mahanadi River will also be suspended on January 17 and 18 to facilitate systematic bird counting activities. The temporary halt in tourism and boating is intended to minimise disturbance and improve the accuracy of wildlife data collection.
